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Monday, November 02, 2015

Swept Up in Artsy Adventures! A Recap and Giveaway!

Over the last several weeks, I've been on a whirlwind adventure that's spanned from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the Midwest and back again. It's already the 2nd of November so before all the creative goodness fades away, I wanted to share with you some of the highlights of the month AND offer you a fun giveaway at the end of my post that you don't want to miss!!

As you can see from this picture, I've been painting...painting a lot!! Preparing for studio openings, classes, solo shows, my shop and....don't fall over....for my a NEW book I'm writing!!! Oh my goodness, all of this is truly a dream come true. I'll be sharing the journey of writing and composing my book over the next 12 months as YOU are a part of it just as much as I am!
In the middle of getting ready for my fall teaching tour, I also worked on HUGE project with my friends, Jan McClay and Jean Skipper: Jan opened a new studio not far from my hometown and Jean and I are lucky to be 2 of the working artists who have their studios in the new shop.

The new studio space includes a class room space, 2 working artists plus our managing artists space along with the work of over 15 North Carolina artists. As you can see from the smiling faces, we are thrilled to be here!!!! We already have started a great line up of classes and events and we are barely a month old..be sure to like our facebook page to keep up to date on all the fun 'happenings'!

You can see part of my studio beside of the classroom space.

Just prior to our grand opening at the studio...and I do mean just prior to it.....I spent a few days over at Random Arts in the western part of our state (Saluda, NC) teaching 3 days of workshops to an incredible group of students! I truly love this space! It was great connecting with old friends as well as meeting lots of new people over the course of the weekend.

I never get tired of hearing all about these artists lives, inspiration, and stories that they tell during our time together. I'm constantly reminded how connected our lives are in so many ways!

After returning from Random Arts, I hurried back home and finished putting the final touches on my solo show at Artful Living Group in Carolina Beach. I returned from Random Arts on Sunday evening, got the final touches on the show stuff on Monday then headed to the beach with only a couple of days to spare before the show opening on Thursday, October 1st.

When one has a solo show, it's not something that just comes together in a blink of an eye...but rather it's a compilation of months and months (if not years) of work. I've been working on many of these pieces for the better part of the last 6-8 months if not longer, it was so satisfying along with a teensy eensy bit stressful seeing each and every piece fit together like a jig saw puzzle. No two things were alike of course, but when each of the pieces were shown together, I could see finally what I had been envisioning in my head for the longest time. To me, that is success....or at least one facet of success: "To see your vision become reality through many moments which fit together into the sum of all parts".

I kinda skipped the order of things that have gone on over the last few weeks..so sorry--anyways so after my show at the beach, I immediately came home for our Grand Opening at Creative Studios, October 3rd. It was sooooo much fun seeing our community, friends, and family come out to support us that day! You could feel the buzz of excitement as our guests wandered through the gallery, checking out our studios, work in progress, sifting through the selection of art supplies and many other gifts we are offering. I hope if you are ever in the area, you, too stop in to see us!
(Hours and location can be found HERE).

As much fun as I was having at the new studio, work was calling me about 950 miles away towards another group of incredible artists in Louisiana, Missouri where I was a guest instructor for 3 days of workshops at Kristen Power's shop and studio, "The Moon and the Maker". What fun I had with this crew!!

As you could see, among the art, we had tons of moments of laughter and silliness!!!

No doubt, we all were meeting lots of new friends and reveling in the creative atmosphere all around us! This was really more than a group of workshops, Kristen created a retreat like setting with breakfast, lunch and tons of supplies to be shared with all. I am looking forward to heading back to see my new friends next October!!!

So that was my Columbus Day weekend...see what I mean, it was a whirlwind few weeks!

But...that's not the end of the fun...nope....

I pretty much washed the clothes in my suitcase, got the boy all straight with his practices, school events, games and stuff he needed, re-packed my suitcase, got an oil changed, did a bunch of shopping and more packing, before I headed East to our Outer Banks, NC as the next week ReMe Retreats was commencing. I landed there on the 18th-with the rest of the organizers before the students started wandering in the next day for 5 nights and 4 days of creative recharging on the island of Ocracoke

This retreat was our 4th in 2 years and as always, we all were just floored at the diversity of our guests, the range of talents, the warm hearts and open minds. We had such a wonderful experience, and speaking for all of us who spear headed the retreat, Jean, Penny, and our house mother Debbie, we all are so lucky to have had the pleasure to host all of these women once again.

From Texas to Maine, we had guests representing several states and although similar in their creative instincts, they were as different as could be in their day to day life outside of art. As I say that, we all found many common bonds to tie us altogether in our experiences, some that made us laugh, stories that made us misty eyed, and other truths spoke that gave us all great reflection within ourselves.

We are all lucky indeed to have traveled together in order to share this experience, and I hope we all connect again soon!

Setting up for our first day of class with me--look at this great crew!

I could go on and on about the wonders of ReMe and the magic of the island, but I'll end this section by showing you the glorious sunset on the sound that was right outside our front doors.

September and October have been simply amazing and inspiring to say the least!

I think I mentioned at the beginning of the post (story, novella) that I had a giveaway for you and ...ta-dahhhhh here it is!! You may or may not have heard that I recently had 4 DVD's published by F & W Media (Cloth Paper Scissors, North Light Books, etc) this month so I am going to be doing a few giveaways over the next few weeks that will include a signed DVD and a few art goodies to go along with your project.

In this special prize pack, if you win, you will receive the DVD, "Expressive Watercolor on Yupo" along with a 12 piece set of Twinkling H20s, a few sample sheets of Yupo paper and who knows what else. If I have more than 100 comments, I will add even more goodies to the pack!

So how to enter to win? Please leave a comment at the end of this post and tell us about one of your creative or other fun memories from the last several weeks. We want to hear about your adventures.

To receive 2 chances to win, you can simply share this post and then come back here and comment, letting us know where you shared.

I'll take entries from now through Monday November 9th---but PLEASE, keep coming back all month as I will have more giveaways, and tons of artsy inspiration to share with you!! :))

PS....PLEASE be sure to leave a way for me to get a hold of you if you win, not all comments link to a live blog anymore so if you can leave your email , it would help me tremendously! :)))

If you already purchased this DVD and win, perhaps you can give your winnings away as a holiday gift. PLUS...don't forget you will receive some artsy supplies, too!!

To see all of my newly released DVD's please check out the home page of my website:

62 comments
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Thank you so much for the chance to win Jodi~ Not much exciting has been happening on my end other than my 2 youngest kids are off to college leaving me "an empty nester". I now have oodles and oodles of time to start being creative! The sky is the limit and you are my inspiration! :)

What a whirlwind, Jodi! It's always inspirational to see the many ways you incorporate art into your life. As for me, I signed up for a quilt-along that requires the construction of two blocks each week. At first, that seemed so reasonable that I decided to make my blocks in two colorways---4 blocks a week. Well, I got caught up this weekend after a few weeks of lagging behind as work travel intervened. I am hoping that, now that I am caught up, I can find some time for mixed media. All my materials are patiently waiting for me in our dining room. And the holidays are coming....

My student won a blue ribbon with a piece she created in my Zentangle,Watercolors and Textures workshop. She wasn't confident about the possibility of winning but I insisted she would. I am so proud.Another great benefit of teaching.Thanks Jodi

I took a workshop at Saluda Arts and fell in love with the techniques Jodi taught. I had very little painting experience and was thrilled how just 1 day of instruction opened a whole new creative outlet for me. I bought one of her pairings that I just fell in love with and now have her new DVD. Thanks Jodi for being an artist willing to share you knowledge with others and not keeping it to yourself like it is some trademark secret (:

We had such a great weekend at The Moon & The Maker. You are indeed an inspiration. Kelly & I are signed up for a class in NC in April so we hope we can slide over & say hello and see your cool studio space.

I have been so busy being juried into the Coastal Carolina College's 38th annual show, taking down a two month exhibit at Texas Steakhouse in Smithfield, entering a connotations show at Star Dust Gallery in New Bern and putting work into a new art business, Fire Flies just within a 1/2 mile of my house. Wow, I am excited to have been asked to be part of a Critters exhibit at Bank of the Arts, Art Council, in downtown New Bern for the months of December and January. So excited for what lies ahead for me. And I really hope that Jodi has a class after January that I can attend in Vass. Woohoo!!!Are we all happy and busy yet.

wow tired just reading about all of your wonderful adventures -- congrats on all that is happening for you -- I met you in community thrive soul food a couple of years ago and have been a big fan ever since -- hope to see you in Raleigh or even better would love to do reme -- I shared on faceebook -- just been playing and trying to organize my studio -- have to get busy for a show that I will hopefully be in in February that I also did last year -- also have to add some new stuff to the shop that I am in

I shared your blog on my Facebook page. I love your work. So whimsical and colorful! I have been making Mail Art lately, and it is so very much fun!! My email address is dlcrisp@hotmail.com. xo dottie lou

While NO WHERE as crazy busy and inspired as you, I did have a wonderful art retreat in the beginning of October at Art Is You in Stamford,CT. I took a fabulous mixed media portrait class with the very talented Andrea deMeng and a wonderful metalsmithing class with the inspiring Kim St Jean. Thanks so much for the chance to win. I have played with the twinkling watercolors but not yupo paper. sounds VERY interesting!Doreen aka LuniLadi

Congrats on being published. That is wonderful. My creative memory from the last few weeks is attending the Scrapbook Expo and taking a couple of watercolor classes. I had so much fun and learned lots of new techniques. Thanks for the chance

Wow, you have been busy! I had some exciting news last week, a customer that purchased an original piece from me, commissioned a series with 3 more pieces! That should keep me busy for a while, :) I pinned several photos to share on my Pinterest boards.Thanks for hosting!

I was so lucky to be one of the ReMe participants and have become so excited about everything you're doing Jodi. I can't wait until I have the opportunity to take your next class. You have turned me on to mixed media art.

Hi Jody , thank you for a chance to win this fabulous giveaway. I bought your dvd " Collage Characters" and " Graffiti Grunge Art" so that would be great to add " Expressive Watercolor " to these great workshops.

Hey Jodi, thanks for all the inspiration and the give away. My latest adventure was last weekend I got to meet my SIL, niece and 2 great nephews at Oak island for a fabulous weekend. I lived there for several years and was my first visit back in 12 years Thatcher the 5 year old said "I love girl weekends" ��

I am so happy for you and all the wonderful things happening!! And I applaud your energy!! I have followed you since your first workshop after becoming a full time artist; at least I think it was, at AIY Danbury. It was my first year of going back to my art & discovering art retreats! After that I discovered a wonderful studio that brought wonderful artists in and it was only about 2 1/2 hrs from me...then it closed. :( So since it's closing, friends I made there meet twice a year to have an art get away. Our latest location is Mineral Point, WI, & we met last weekend. We had a great time! I have downloaded your workshops but would love to have a dvd! Regardless of if I won, I love following your journey and wish you continued success!!

Thank you so much for the lovely giveaway. My most recent adventure is having time to discover how I want to art. I retired recently after 33 years full time work and I'm now enjoying experimenting and playing. And looking forward to when a friend gets back from overseas and we can have a weekly play date again.

Jodi, Thank you for being an inspiration. I haven't had much time to create recently because I have a baby who keeps me busy. I need to get back into the creative groove and you give me that reason! I look forward to new art adventures in the next few weeks to reignite my art passion.Sincerely,Kim James artsefirefly@gmail.com

Jodi, Thank you for being an inspiration. I haven't had much time to create recently because I have a baby who keeps me busy. I need to get back into the creative groove and you give me that reason! I look forward to new art adventures in the next few weeks to reignite my art passion.Sincerely,Kim James artsefirefly@gmail.com

Hi, I am so excited about your DVDs. And the peeps are so cool. I have two things exciting. One is I finished a project for an upcoming blog and second, I finally finished my whimsical houses from your class! My email is sunmoongal@me.com

Congrats on the Dvds!I love North light Books! I own several of them and they are such a big help to me. I am preparing for a Christmas show and have been very pleased with the mixedmedia canvases I have created over the past few weeks. I have many more to go but am on the way! I am taking an art class and we talked about Yupo! How fun it would be to play!

Because of illness and getting ready to head to Mayo Clinuc in a few days I haven't been creating as much as I would have liked, so I have been doing some adult coloring book therapy when I am in bed. It helps me feel connected to my creativity in a way I can handle at the moment. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. I am so glad things have been going well for you (if a bit hectic!) it couldn't happen to a nicer or more talented lady!

Hi Jodi! Just discovered you from Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. Love your work. Would love to win. I just returned from my first art retreat in San Miguel de Allende Mexico mid October. I am learning new techniques all the time and I'm sure your DVDs can teach me more. Joanne at joshuajoanne@gmail.com

Congratulations on your very successful transition to full time artist! You certainly are! My creativity has been used towards decluttering my home. I am hoping to be done near Christmas, but we shall see.

Jodi, thank you for this opportunity to win this giveaway. I've never tried H2O's so I would love to win. The last few weeks have been busy painting your style of angels. It has been so much fun but I still dream of taking one of your classes.

As always, Jodi, a million thanks for being such a good example! My life is full of too many other things right now, but soon... soon... I have a painting on my easel... it's a work of art, in progress, like my life. Sometimes I just spray some ink on it, or write something that has been meaningful to my spiritual growth... it will be multi-layered, and full of unconditional acceptance and healing, just like my life <3 Much <3 to you and yours. Keep your creations in front of us, please?

Jodi, I am EXHAUSTED after reading your blog post. I want whatever you have for breakfast! I SO want to go to ReMe someday. And back to RandomArts, but I do have to see the coast someday for sure. The most I got done in the last few weeks is a picture for a fundraiser auction for the rescue where I got my pup. Oh and I cleaned up the studio a little bit this morning :-) Lisa@artistcellar.com <--- I guess I've been doing that too... :-D

Would love your gift package! Trying to get ready for an Art/Craft Show in the beginning of December! I am adding new painted surfaces and I've got to get them done! These products will give them an extra "Pow"!!!!

I love your art Jodi. I wish I lived on your side of the country so I could take a class from you. During the last few weeks I have been to Quilt Expo, here in California, and had a craft booth in a local Art Walk. Thanks for the chance to win the wonderful prize. Ritapita10@comcast.net

I had been out of my studio for almost a month. For some reason I avoided that room....but still not knowing why. Then I decided to visit some of my fave blogs, and of course Sweet Retreats was number one. After spending some time with you I went into my studio and made my sister a fabulous birthday card. Some of the most fun I've had in quite a while. Thanks Jodi!!suzschultz23@aol.com or suzschultz72352@gmail.com

Jodi- WOW! I am a firm believer in the busier you are(art wise) the more productive you are! And sure are! Awesome on the CD's -congrats to you! Heading over to check them out ") I'm sending off the post to a bunch of my email contacts- hoping to drive up that 100 comments! and to share your delish-ous art as well!Thanks so much for the chance and I'm keeping my fingers crossed!xxhugs,Jackie ")

I really enjoyed our time together at The Moon & The Maker. The class was superb. I tresure my piece of your art I bought and cannot wait to have time to finish mine. I will share your blog on Nancy Curry Art.